Works 3.0 FAQ: Communications Questions

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1. Q. I have my modem set to automatically answer calls in Works 3.0, but the modem doesn't answer the call. How do I get Works to answer an incoming call?
   
   A. In Works 3.0, after you select the Auto Answer setting, you need to make sure you are connected in the Works communications session. To do this, click the Dial/Hangup button on the toolbar (or on the Phone menu, click Dial). "ANSW" should appear in the status bar (located in the lower-right corner of the screen). You are now ready to have Works answer a call.
2. Q. Why does Works allow only 5 seconds to dial the modem?
   
   A. If the modem is only getting 5 seconds to dial, this means the modem is not initializing correctly. Several things can cause this problem, such as incorrect communications settings, or the modem being turned off. To check for correct settings, go to the Windows Control Panel and check that the modem settings are set to use the correct port and baud rate. For more information about how to accomplish this task in Windows, see your Windows printed documentation or online help.
   
   Make sure the modem settings in the Control Panel match the settings in the Communications Settings dialog box of Works. If the settings are correct, there may be invalid strings being sent to the modem. Go to the Settings menu and click Modem. Click Advanced and then click Restore to restore default modem initialization string settings.
3. Q. I get strange characters appearing on my screen when I connect to a bulletin board. Why is that, and how do I get rid of them?
   
   A. The strange characters appear on your screen if your communications settings do not match the settings of the bulletin board service (BBS).
   
   Make sure your settings in Works match those of the service. To check the settings, do the following:
   
   
   • On the Settings menu, check the settings in the Communications dialog box.
   
   
   The problem can also occur if your baud rate is set too high, or your terminal emulation is incorrect. Try a lower baud rate, or try a different terminal emulation like ANSI, VT100 or TTY. For more information about changing these settings in Works, see your Works printed documentation or online help.
   
   If this does not solve the problem, try changing your display to use the Windows VGA display driver. For more information about changing display settings, see you Windows printed documentation or online help.
4. Q. How do I turn off call waiting?
   
   A. Turning off call waiting in Windows 95 is easy. To turn off call waiting, do the following:
   1. Click the Start button, point to Settings, and then click Control Panel.
   2. Double-click the Modems icon.
   3. On the General tab, click Dialing Properties.
   4. Make sure the box next to This Location Has Call Waiting contains a check.
   5. Click the down arrow next to the box and select the code to disable call waiting, and then click OK.
      
      If this does not work, contact your telephone company for the local code to disable call waiting, and enter this code in the box.
5. Q. When I download files from a service or another computer, where do they go?
   
   A. When you download or receive a file from a bulletin board, or another computer, the files are placed in the directory or folder you specified as your download folder. To find this information, do the following:
   
   
   • on the Settings menu, click Transfer.
     
     
   • If you want to change the location, click Directory, and specify a different folder.
6. Q. When I am connected in Works, I notice that in other programs my computer responds to the keyboard or the mouse more slowly than normal. Why is that?
   
   A. When there is an active connection in Works, or when there is a file transfer operation going on, you may notice slow response time from the keyboard or mouse in other applications. This is because Works is keeping track of what is happening in the communications session in Works. This takes up system resources which can slow the multi-tasking of other programs. Microsoft is aware of and researching this problem.
   
   To increase the speed of other programs, disconnect from the service after you have completed your communications session.